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Puss an dog nuh have di same luck

proverb PUSS an DAWG nuh have di same LUCK pʊs an daɡ nʌ hav di seːm lʌk

Also spelled: puss and dog nuh have di same luck, cat an dog nuh have di same luck

Meaning

Different people meet different fortunes; what works out for one may not for another. A reminder not to expect the same outcome as someone else, since each person's luck and circumstances differ.

Examples

  • “Him get weh wid it, but nuh try it — puss an dog nuh have di same luck.”

    He got away with it, but don't try it — you may not be so lucky.

  • “Just because it work fi she nuh mean it work fi yuh. Puss an dog nuh have di same luck.”

    Just because it worked for her doesn't mean it will for you. Different people, different luck.

  • “Mi nah compare miself to him. Puss an dog nuh have di same luck.”

    I won't compare myself to him. We don't share the same fortune.

Origin

A Jamaican proverb contrasting the cat ('puss') and the dog, two familiar household animals whose fortunes in life differ, to stand for people's differing luck.

How it's used

Said to warn against risky imitation or against envy of another's success.

Related words